Shelby-Utica News | Published July 13, 2022
SHELBY TOWNSHIP/UTICA — In the Shelby-Utica News’ coverage area, voters will select party candidates vying to earn spots in the governor’s race, the U.S. House of Representatives, the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives, and the Macomb County Board of Commissioners in the primary election Aug. 2.
Below are profiles submitted by the candidates. Profiles do not appear for candidates who are running uncontested for their party’s nomination. Candidates were asked, in 75 words or fewer, to state their top goal(s) if elected. If a candidate went over the word limit, (…) replaces the rest of the answer. The answers are printed verbatim.
Governor of Michigan
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and six candidates, including a write-in candidate, are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. The salary for the position is $159,300.
Democrat
Gretchen Whitmer
Running unopposed.
Republican
Tudor M. Dixon
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Ryan D. Kelley
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Ralph Rebandt
Age: 64
Occupation: Retired Pastor
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills
For how long: 35 years
Online campaign information: ralphrebandtforgovernor.com
Education: B.R.E., M.A.R., M.Div.
Previously and currently held elected offices: No
Top goals: We are in a social and moral crisis. My goal is to bring back our Jude’s-Christian values, and together with truth, transparency, and accountability: ensure constitutional protections; make Michigan an open record state; secure election integrity; provide school choice; reduce taxes and budget; eliminate corporate welfare and reduce government agencies by involving faith based organization’s; and establish a Citizens Round Table.
Republican
Kevin Rinke
Age: 61
Occupation: Retired
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Hills
For how long: Michigan born and raised. I built my home in Oakland County, was raised in Wayne County and worked in Macomb County.
Online campaign information: https://rinkeformichigan.com/
Education: Bachelor’s in Advertising with a minor in Statistics from Michigan State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: As governor, I aim to make Michigan the best state in America. To do so, we must emulate what other successful states have done. I have called for the elimination of the state income tax by January 1, 2024. I want to create an economic climate that incentivizes businesses and workers to come to Michigan. I want to fix our education system, add vocational training to the common curriculum and get Michigan back on track.
Republican
Garrett Soldano
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
James Craig (Write-in)
Age: 65
Occupation: Served as Chief of Police in Portland, ME; Cincinnati, OH; and Detroit, MI. After eight years as Chief of Police in his hometown of Detroit and 44 years as a dedicated public servant, Craig retired in June 2021. After twenty-eight years with Los Angeles Police Department, the Chief rose through the ranks to Captain Three. 2 1/2 years as a Detroit Police Officer before being laid off.
Municipality of residence: Detroit, Michigan
For how long: Professional experience 44 years
Online campaign information: www.chiefjamescraig.com
Education: Craig graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1977, Obtained an undergraduate degree from West Coast University BS in Business and a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix in Public Administration, James Craig, started coursework in a Doctorate program UOP; however, he had to stop the program when appointed Police Chief in the city of Detroit.
Previously and currently held elected offices: NONE.
Top goals: James Craig is running for Governor of Michigan with a commitment to fix leadership in state government and institute an effective administration that fosters a collaborative environment to drive the vibrancy of the state’s economy, education, public safety, and communities. I will work to WIN as a write-in candidate.
U.S. House of Representatives District 10
Five candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and two candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. U.S. representatives earn a salary of $174,000.
Democrat
Huwaida Arraf
Age: 46
Occupation: Civil Rights Attorney
Municipality of residence: Macomb Township
For how long: 3 years
Online campaign information: huwaidaforcongress.com
Education: Juris Doctor
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Getting big money out of politics so that we can make this government and economy work for the masses, not just the wealthy, well-connected few. I will fight to keep abortion legal, pass gun safety laws to protect our communities, guarantee health care, create good jobs that pay a living wage, expand social security, provide a quality education to every child, and make corporate polluters pay to clean our air and water.
Democrat
Carl J. Marlinga
Age: 75
Occupation: Retired Circuit Court Judge
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 40 years
Online campaign information: www.marlinga4congress.com
Education: Graduate University of Michigan Law School
Previously and currently held elected offices: Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney, 1985 – 2004; Macomb County Probate Judge, 2013-2016; Macomb County Circuit Court Judge, 2017 – February, 2022
Top goals: We must seriously address the price of gasoline and its affect upon overall inflation. We do this in the short term by authorizing a ceiling on profits that oil companies can make; but we also must move the economy to cheaper and cleaner forms of energy, harvesting the power of sun, wind, tides, and geothermal. We can create good paying union jobs by manufacturing the energy efficient products that will save our environment and provide cheap energy.
Democrat
Rhonda Powell
Age: 52
Occupation: Director of Operations
Municipality of residence: Mount Clemens
For how long: 20 years
Online campaign information: www.RhondaPowellforCongress.com
Education: MS Community Service, BA in Human Service
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: Rhonda Powell is a 4th generation resident of Macomb County, a proven leader and advocate for the marginalized and vulnerable people Washington continues to leave behind. She will fight to ensure pre-K for all children, combat climate change, government accountability, protect reproductive and voting rights, and help working families not just get by, but get ahead.Rhonda Powell is a native of the 10th District that will represent the interest of fellow residents.
Democrat
Angela Rogensues
Age: 41
Occupation: Warren City Council, At Large Member
Municipality of residence: Warren, Michigan
For how long: 10 years
Online campaign information: www.angelaforuscongress.com
Education: Angela holds a Bachelor of Science in Health studies and Psychology from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in Educating Adults from DePaul University.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Warren City Council, At Large Member
Top goals: Angela will fight Republican efforts to limit contraception and other essential reproductive healthcare access. Work to bring good-paying, union manufacturing jobs to the district by rebuilding American supply chains and making more products in Michigan. Angela will also prioritize lowering the cost of prescription drugs under Medicare and expanding benefits to cover vision, hearing, and dental. Stand up to special interests and Republicans trying to cut Social Security and Medicare Benefits.
Democrat
Henry Yanez
Age: 64
Occupation: retired
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 14 years
Online campaign information: Website - henryyanezforcongress.com, FB Page - facebook.com/citi zenyanez, Twitter - @CitizenYanez
Education: AAS in Fire Science and General Studies from Oakland Community College
Previously and currently held elected offices: I am currently a City Councilman for the City of Sterling Heights. Previously I held the position of State Representative for House District 25, Sterling Heights and Warren, for three terms.
Top goals:
1 – I’ll work for an economy that is fair for everyone by lowering the cost of health care and prescriptions, hold corporations accountable for price gouging during tough economic times and make education more affordable to alleviate student debt.
2 – Affordable healthcare for all is a must, people shouldn’t go bankrupt for getting sick.
3 – Protecting our environment to make sure we leave a healthy, productive planet for future generations.
Republican
John James
Age: 41
Occupation: President, James Group
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills, Michigan
For how long: 20 years
Online campaign information: JohnJamesMI.com
Education: United States Military Academy, BS; University of Michigan, MBA; Pennsylvania State University, MS Supply Chain Management
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Tackling rising prices, promoting clean water and quality education, repatriating manufacturing.
I will help stop reckless policies in Washington that cause more expensive gas, food and essentials. We must stop relying on foreign goods and bring our critical supply chains back to the U.S. I will prioritize investment in our futures by keeping our water clean and protecting a parent’s right to educate their children where they will be safest and most successful.
Republican
Tony Marcinkewciz
Age: 27
Occupation: Software Engineer
Municipality of residence: Macomb County
For how long: 10 years
Online campaign information: tonyformi10.com
Education: Bachelors Of Science in Information Technology Concentrations in Web and Database Development
Minor in Political Science.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: - Build Back American Small Business
- Lockdown Accountability Hearings
- Stop Inflation
- Lower Gas Prices
- Defund DC
State Senate District 9
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. State senators earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Padma Kuppa
Running unopposed.
Republican
Michael Webber
Running unopposed.
State Senate District 24
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. State senators earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Theresa J. Fougnie
Running unopposed.
Republican
Ruth Johnson
Running unopposed.
State House of Representatives District 58
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and two candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Nate Shannon
Running unopposed.
Republican
Giovanni Ndrea
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Michelle Smith
Age: 38
Occupation: Real Estate Appraiser
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 2+ (Previously Warren for 7+)
Online campaign information: michelleformichigan.com
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Walsh College
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: 1) Fight inflation, gas prices, supply chain concerns with conservative practices like reducing taxes and regulations. 2) Respect personal freedoms including medical decisions. 3) Advocate for parent rights, school choice, student opportunity scholarships, school security officers, updates to graduation standards and additional offerings like trades and cyber security to provide a well-trained workforce that businesses want. 4) Support our police. 5) Fix our roads & water & sewer systems by making it a budget priority.
Michigan House of Representatives District 59
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and three candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
James Diez
Running unopposed.
Republican
Frank Cusumano
Age: 59
Occupation: Attorney at Law
Municipality of residence: Macomb Township
For how long: 22 Years
Online campaign information: frankcusumanojr.com
Education: BA University of Michigan (1985); J.D. University of Detroit Mercy Law (1989)
Previously and currently held elected offices: Elected Member Board of Trustees Macomb Community College 2012; 2014 and 2020 (current term exp. 2026);
Elected Member Macomb Township Board of Trustees (current term exp. 2024); and GOP Precinct Delegate: Macomb Township (32nd Precinct) (2008-Present).
Top goals: Truth and integrity must be the baseline for all public office holders. Laws need to be written so that the “intent” is not subject to “ambiguity” and then activist judicial interpretation. Monopolies, like Great Lakes Water Authority, rate setting, and “cost of service” must be defined and regulated. FOIA and the Open Meetings Act are effective. Sunshine is the best disinfectant. Seniors need to be protected against financial predation by court appointed conservators and guardians.
Republican
Terence Mekoski
Age: 57
Occupation: State Representative
Municipality of residence: Shelby Twp.
For how long: 18 months
Online campaign information: mekoski.com
Education: No answer provided
Previously and currently held elected offices: State Representative for District 36
Top goals: I was recently elected as the 36th district state representative on May 3, 2022. The number one concern from the constituents in my district has been Election Integrity and I have made that the focus of my candidacy. I will continue to champion the cause for fair and free elections in the state of Michigan as without this, we stand to lose our freedoms and liberties.
Republican
Douglas Wozniak
Age: 75
Occupation: State Legislator
Municipality of residence: Shelby Township
For how long: 32 years
Online campaign information: www.DougWozniak.com
Education: Juris Doctorate, Detroit College of Law (now MSU College of Law)
Bachelor of Mathematics, University of Michigan
Previously and currently held elected offices: State Senator, 2021-present
State Representative, 2019-2021
Shelby Township Trustee, 2008-2018
Top goals: Continue to work to restore the state’s economy to overcome the devastating effects of Governor Whitmer’s business shutdowns. We need to reduce the tax burden on Michigan’s hardworking families and business owners to help fight the effects of inflation. I want to invest in our infrastructure to fix our roads and clean up our water systems. I will continue to use my background as an Elder Law attorney to fight for seniors’ rights.
Macomb County Executive
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in November.
The county executive earns a salary of $175,061.
Democrat
Mark A. Hackel
Running unopposed.
Republican
Nicholyn Brandenburg
Running unopposed.
Macomb County Board of Commissioners District 1
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. Macomb County commissioners earn a salary of $35,704. The board chair, elected by the commissioners, earns a salary of $91,809.
Democrat
Michael E. LaBuhn
Running unopposed.
Republican
Don Brown
Running unopposed.
Macomb County Board of Commissioners District 3
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and three candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete in November for one two-year term. Macomb County commissioners earn a salary of $35,704. The board chair, elected by the commissioners, earns a salary of $91,809.
Democrat
Ken Reid
Running unopposed.
Republican
Jeff Farrington
Age: No answer given
Occupation: I provide Chief Financial Officers for small businesses
Municipality of residence: Utica
For how long: 40+ years
Online campaign information: N/A
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration & Master’s of Science, Management from Walsh College
Previously and currently held elected offices: Former State Representative (6 years), Currently Macomb County Commissioner
Top goals: Continue to add value during the budget process. In Macomb County this is the primary role of a County Commissioner and my significant experience with budgets (private and public sector) is beneficial. Secondarily, continue to be a conservative voice for various mileage increases presented to us (ie. SMART & Telecommunications surcharge).
Republican
Grant G. Golasa
Age: N/A
Occupation: Engineer
Municipality of residence: Shelby Township
For how long: Lifelong Resident
Online campaign information: www.GrantGolasa.com
Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Three-time elected precinct delegate.
Top goals: Macomb County needs strong and honest leaders, especially at a time when corruption is rampant and ethical behavior is absent. At a time where trust in government is at an all-time low, it is imperative political leaders regain the trust of their constituents. As the only outsider candidate, not tied to donors or special interest groups, my loyalty is to you, the voters. I’ll never sell you out as so many local politicians have.
Republican
Sylvia Grot
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Macomb County Board of Commissioners District 7
Three candidates are running for the Republican nomination and no candidates are running for the Democratic nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. Macomb County commissioners earn a salary of $35,704. The board chair, elected by the commissioners, earns a salary of $91,809.
Republican
Cheryl R. Cannon
Age: 70
Occupation: retired/volunteer
Municipality of residence: Clinton Township
For how long: 65 years
Online campaign information: facebook.com/cannonforcommissioner
Education: Bachelor of Science-Michigan State University; Master’s of Business Administration-Oakland University
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals:
1. Residents deserve good roads. Clear priorities and planning for road maintenance and improvements needs to be communicated to stakeholders. We need to understand how the Department of Roads determines which projects will be done and how their budget is funded.
2. Protect and expand veteran and senior services. They deserve our attention.
3. Balanced budget, efficient government, transparency and public information on spending and priorities.
Republican
Leo J. Melise
Age: 65
Occupation: Retired Clinton Twp. Detective and State of Michigan District Court Officer at the 41-B District court
Municipality of residence: Clinton Township
For how long: 17 years at my present home.
Online campaign information: voteforleo Leo for County Commissioner, Facebook page
Education: Associates degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Leadership.
Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given
Top goals: As a County Commissioner I want to make sure that our residents get the best services they can get along with making sure the county and township spends the money wisely. I also want to make sure that we are doing all we can for our senior citizens and our veterans.
I want to make sure that Macomb County and our district is a safe place to live and work and we keep bringing in new businesses and residents into (…)
Republican
James M. Perna
Age: No answer given
Occupation: Retired
Municipality of residence: Clinton Twp.
For how long: 36 Years
Online campaign information: Elect James M Perna
Education: St Joseph High School & L I T
Previously and currently held elected offices: Macomb County Commissioner 8+ years.
Top goals: As a previously elected County Commissioner and chair of Finance Committee not to mention my 42 years in the private sector I will bring the experience needed to manage various budgets.My private sector experience provides the skills necessary to work with All people,listen,understand their needs ,problems,concerns,and develop possible solutions.My experience as a CEO taught me negotiation skills.I just need your vote.